Guzzi reliability

[Wistrick]

why would Guzzi put a half plastic fuel filter on my Norge that for sure would have left me stranded if I had not fixed it,,,the all metal one was 12.00 bucks.....I paid 11,500 for a bike and had to replace fuel filter, lock tight and re torque the side stand....oh don't forget replacing the side bag seal because of water...Oh water had to fashion a breather because riding in the rain turned my rear drive fluid into milkshake goo.....Then there was the failed molex connector to the dash board that had to be replaced....what else hmm  front wheel sensor went tits up...and I just hit 20,000 miles hope it better from here

So when my friend asked me if he should buy an NTX I said hell no....He did anyways and is paying the price...Recalls, spark plug caps....now some unknown whine form the motor at 5000 miles....

You know what really pisses me off is I LOVE MY NORGE  and this stuff shouldn't happen....

Dan

[WitchCityBallabio]

And yet, I know people with Norge's with 10's of thousands of miles on them with no problems.

I don't get telling someone to stay away from the whole Guzzi line because of problems you've had with your bike. Many, many, folks haven't had these problems. And none of your problems necessarily translate to the Stelvio.

I don't get the hand wringing over the recall either. It's a covered recall that takes very little time to complete at no cost to the end user. A part was made with a manufacturing flaw (probably not by Guzzi) that needs to be replaced. Did his plug wire boots fail, or did he proactively change them? Whatever his whine is from the motor, I'm sure it'll be addressed by Guzzi and most likely at no cost.

He's paying the price? Sounds like so far his "price" is about 7 bucks for plug boots.

There's a recall for the center stand on my Stelvio. I have 45000 miles on it and have used the center stand hundreds of times without issue. Even with enormous loads. I've even rotated the bike around on the center stand and have never had any issues with it. My guess is that it's being replaced/recalled by Guzzi because a few folks probably put it up on a severe angle etc, etc. I may go have the new one put on. I may not. It didn't upset me when my dealer called to tell me there was a recall on the center stand. Why would it?

[nikwax]

Personally there are two things I don't understand with regards to motorcycle ownership

1. I don't understand how ANYONE can own one without working on it. I'm NOT saying you have to be able to rebuild the motor, or even replace the clutch. But oil changes, basic maintenance and inspections, simple repairs like valve cover leaks are things riders SHOULD generally be comfortable with. WHY? Couple of reasons - A. Bikes are so much less mechanically robust than a modern car it is not funny. You'll need tires about 4x sooner for example. B. Bikes are treated as recreation in the US and dealers rarely prioritize getting you back on the road so you can get to work etc. C. Why would you trust a tech with your life? At least with a car you've got more of a safety envelope if the tech screws up but on a bike, the margin is thin. Look, the truth of the matter is that some brilliant guys go to tech school, but the percentage is a LOT SMALLER than the brilliant guys who go to engineering college. So at the end of the day it's fine to let someone else work on it - just be damn sure you trust them and that YOU CAN CHECK THEIR WORK (trust, yet verify).

there are lots of reasons for not working on your own bike. Mine is physical: my joints are in bad shape and I can't get to things anymore. And that happens to a lot of people as they age. Thankfully not everyone. Also vision and small motor skills diminish with time. And with a modern Norge: good luck getting the tupperware off.

[nikwax]

I love my Norge too. Haven't seen it for two months (at mechanic waiting for parts). It's really frustrating to love something that is unattainable.

[oldbike54]

I love my Norge too. Haven't seen it for two months (at mechanic waiting for parts). It's really frustrating to love something that is unattainable.

Like Jenny Hewitt  :)
Dusty

[blackcat]

And yet, I know people with Norge's with 10's of thousands of miles on them with no problems.

Yep, over 40 thousand on mine and yes I changed out the fuel filter around 25,000 miles only because others said they had a problem. Mine didn't look good but it wasn't broken. I replaced the seals on the bags, water still gets in there if it is sitting in the handle wells and the bags are opened without drying. No big deal. My side stand/bike was prepped by MPH so I have never had a problem with that one.

My 93-1000S has over 60,000 miles on that bike with just a couple (two) of minor issues, still has the original clutch.

[keithl]

I bought my 09 CalVin used.  Had to have an air bubble bled out of the brakes when I first got it, and I changed the oil and that's it.   So far, it's been the most reliable bike I've ever had. 

[oldbike54]

I personally know of 2 1800 CC Wings that had transmission failures at low mileages , one each Yamaha and Kawasaki that suffered drive box failures inside of 5K miles or so , 2 Yamahas that experienced complete charging failures do to a plastic bearing , and 2 more that boiled their batteries in short order because of a regulator issue , blown headlights for the same reason , and one 1800 wing that had a small fire in the seat do to the heating system malfunctioning . Not to mention numerous other small issues with mirrors , bag mounting systems , and my nephews front brake problems on a '07 Street glide with less tha 3K miles on it , the dealer told him , "well , that's just how they are , they all drag ", So much for our unreliable Guzzis (and beemers)
 Did anyone notice CWs 10 best was made up of 7 Euro bikes ?
Dusty

[Kev m]

I think I should clarify that I think Guzzis are generally very reliable (FOR A BIKE).

I think they fall down once in a while on dumb things and sometimes large things.

But if anything I'm questioning the WHOLE INDUSTRY when compared to cars, more than Guzzi compared to the industry.


Oldb - CW's list has NOTHING to do with reliability.

[oldbike54]

Oldb - CW's list has NOTHING to do with reliability.

True , just referencing the ascendancy of the Euro brands .
 Dusty

[Kev m]

True , just referencing the ascendancy of the Euro brands .
 Dusty

in popularity...a good thing in my view!

[spgott]

Well, I've done some serious soul searching (difficult when you don't have a soul) and though My California Vintage remains my dream bike, it honestly seems that I am not up to the task for what it takes to maintain this bike as a sole vehicle and it is extremely impractical for me right now to have two bikes so I've made the very difficult decision to sell it.  It is a painful idea as I think this is the most beautiful bike I've ever seen and the smile it puts on my face when I'm riding at speed is unlike anything I have ever felt.  It is almost a beautiful pain...giving up something you love so much in order to take the more practical path...like the storybook couple who realize they are soulmates but cant be together for some reason or another...  I want to tell my bike "It's not you...it's me".  This is a spectacular machine and will be amazing for someone who has the talents and drive to be what a Guzzi owner needs to be but I am not that person.  As Harry Callahan says, a good man knows his limitations.

On the positive side, I have been moving toward a more minimalist lifestyle and a Triumph Bonneville is a good overall, very capable machine and will fit that bill very nicely.  I adore my supermodel but I'm going with the girl next door.

I'll be listing my CalVin in the classifieds if anyone is interested.  I paid $8700.00 for it and would like to get $7000.00.  Its got aftermarket pipes and a Garmin GPS wired in.  Also included but uninstalled are an aftermarket brake pedal (more like a standard cruiser brake) and a Power Commander.  I've replaced the 55w driving lights with 35w bulbs but still have the others included.

Thanks everyone for your assistance and encouragement.

Steve

[pcarnut]

Well, I've done some serious soul searching (difficult when you don't have a soul) and though My California Vintage remains my dream bike, it honestly seems that I am not up to the task for what it takes to maintain this bike as a sole vehicle and it is extremely impractical for me right now to have two bikes so I've made the very difficult decision to sell it.  It is a painful idea as I think this is the most beautiful bike I've ever seen and the smile it puts on my face when I'm riding at speed is unlike anything I have ever felt.  It is almost a beautiful pain...giving up something you love so much in order to take the more practical path...like the storybook couple who realize they are soulmates but cant be together for some reason or another...  I want to tell my bike "It's not you...it's me".  This is a spectacular machine and will be amazing for someone who has the talents and drive to be what a Guzzi owner needs to be but I am not that person.  As Harry Callahan says, a good man knows his limitations.

On the positive side, I have been moving toward a more minimalist lifestyle and a Triumph Bonneville is a good overall, very capable machine and will fit that bill very nicely.  I adore my supermodel but I'm going with the girl next door.

I'll be listing my CalVin in the classifieds if anyone is interested.  I paid $8700.00 for it and would like to get $7000.00.  Its got aftermarket pipes and a Garmin GPS wired in.  Also included but uninstalled are an aftermarket brake pedal (more like a standard cruiser brake) and a Power Commander.  I've replaced the 55w driving lights with 35w bulbs but still have the others included.

Thanks everyone for your assistance and encouragement.

Steve

Can understand your decision, BTDT.  As a word of encouragement, I love my Bonneville SE.  It is one of the most fun, nimble bikes I've owned and with an updated map, TORS mufflers, and open up the air-box slightly, it has a very nice sound and power band.  I get tons of complements on its looks too, so it's not like your going from an Italian super-model to the hunchback of Notre Dame.  Fit and finish are excellent and it's been stone reliable.

[joeguzzi]

I may be one of the different ones here when I say that I have found my Guzzi's to be as reliable as any other bike brand I have owned. HOWEVER I do prefer older bikes to newer ones and I prefer the simpler bikes to the ones with so many gadgets.
I may also have a different definition of "Reliability" than others. I do not consider a weeping gasket to be a "Reliability" issue. I consider these types of things to be maintenance items just like any other machine.
When they make me push them and fail to get me home then I complain about reliability. My Guzzi's always got me home. Maybe with oil on the wrong side of a part, maybe with loose parts or something not working but they always got me home.
Maybe because I have owned so many old Triumphs and BSA's and then throw in an AMF Harley or my old Kawasaki and Suzuki 2 strokes then having a bike get you home every time is nice.
Just my 2c

joe

[nick949]

I may be one of the different ones here when I say that I have found my Guzzi's to be as reliable as any other bike brand I have owned. HOWEVER I do prefer older bikes to newer ones and I prefer the simpler bikes to the ones with so many gadgets.
I may also have a different definition of "Reliability" than others. I do not consider a weeping gasket to be a "Reliability" issue. I consider these types of things to be maintenance items just like any other machine.
When they make me push them and fail to get me home then I complain about reliability. My Guzzi's always got me home. Maybe with oil on the wrong side of a part, maybe with loose parts or something not working but they always got me home.
Maybe because I have owned so many old Triumphs and BSA's and then throw in an AMF Harley or my old Kawasaki and Suzuki 2 strokes then having a bike get you home every time is nice.
Just my 2c

joe

Well said, that man!

Nick

[Wistrick]

oh I forgot every spring when it vomes out of winter hibernation I have to bled the rear brake to make it work again...My UMJ;s I just un hook the tender and ride... :beat_horse :beat_horse

Dan

[Kev m]

Are people who are questioning reliability really doing it based on oil leaks?

I was thinking the concern was over no starts and rideability issues?

Though to be honest, the Jackal was more a niggling issue type of bike and only no started when the ignition switch went out, and the starter.

But the Breva threatened with gremlins before the starter interuptus and new dash.

[spgott]

Kev -

In my case it was not just oil leaks though repeated and frequent oil leaks was part of the problem, on top of multiple brake issues, etc and the prospect that I might have to spend more time than I prefer tinkering to keep the bike road worthy.  Wouldn't mind that for a hobby bike but I ride a bike exclusively (no car since 2007 and hope to never own one again) so my bike has to be super reliable.  Although it is extremely beneficial to have some mechanical skills as a bike owner, I don't feel it should be seen as required anymore as there are bikes out there that don't necessitate it.  I respect the hell out of those of you who work on your bikes and admire the ability but like I said, I know my limitations and for once am not gong to lie to myself about them.

I'll regret losing the California...I regret it already but I know its the right decision for both of us.  Its funny...so many of my reasoning and justification so closely parallel that of a romantic relationship.  Someone half listening could think I was talking about a woman...:-)  Maybe the feelings aren't all that different.

Once I am more settled and feel it is less impractical to own multiple bikes, I will wish I still had this one.  For the rest of my life, I'm sure every ride will begin with a wistful, sad smile, thinking of the brief time I had with my California Vintage.

[spgott]

Thanks Roger...that is encouraging.  I've spent quite a bit of time on my girlfriends Bonnie Black while the California has been in the shop and find that it really is a solid, reliable machine.  However I feel like a giant on it.  I'm getting a 2014 Bonneville T100 which is an inch and a half or so taller, which seems to be just enough.  The new blacked out version is a basic looking but really attractive bike and gives me a lot of options for some customization to best serve my needs.  I think my lady and I will make quite the good Bonneville couple.

[spgott]

Thanks Roger...that is encouraging.  I've spent quite a bit of time on my girlfriends Bonnie Black while the California has been in the shop and find that it really is a solid, reliable machine.  However I feel like a giant on it.  I'm getting a 2014 Bonneville T100 which is an inch and a half or so taller, which seems to be just enough.  The new blacked out version is a basic looking but really attractive bike and gives me a lot of options for some customization to best serve my needs.  I think my lady and I will make quite the good Bonneville couple.

When I first picked up the California, I kind of missed the laid back ergonomics of my VTX though appreciated being able to ride several hundred miles without the pain in my back/ass.  Now I feel like the egos on my MG are about as perfect.  The Bonneville definitely retains standard, upright ergos but it is still quite different.  I'm sure I'll get used to that as well over time.

[charlie b]

Interesting that you're picking a bike with almost as spotty dealer network and just as spotty reliability if you look at the Triumph forums.

Here I thought you'd get a Honda or other UJM with really good dealer network.

When I wanted a new bike I didn't seriously consider Triumph, Ducati, Aprilla or KTM simply because of the sparse dealers.  Heck even Beemers were down on the list below the UJM's.

[Kev m]

Spgoft, maybe this thread has gone full circle now, but I REALLY don't see hour someone can rely on a bike for daily transportation IF THEY BOTH:

* don't work on it  and
* only own one

Guzzi or Honda doesn't matter, the fact remains the same that this country treats bikes as recreation. It's harder and more expensive to get a tow, there aren't roadside repair services available, the dealers don't usually treat beak downs as an emergency or have loaners, etc.

A flat alone can turn into a multi-day episode on a bike if you're not prepared to handle it, never mind odd repairs.

The Bonnie might be better (and I suspect a better dealer network, at least on both coasts), but it's still a bike and considered recreation by most of the country.

I'd seriously reconsider having ONLY one bike if it is remotely possible to have two. Especially if you think you might regret selling this one.

[spgott]

Interesting that you're picking a bike with almost as spotty dealer network and just as spotty reliability if you look at the Triumph forums.

Here I thought you'd get a Honda or other UJM with really good dealer network.

When I wanted a new bike I didn't seriously consider Triumph, Ducati, Aprilla or KTM simply because of the sparse dealers.  Heck even Beemers were down on the list below the UJM's.

That has not been my experience with Triumph, nor is it suggested through their reviews.  My girlfriends Bonneville has close to 16000 miles on it and she has not had one issue.  certainly a Honda would be the absolute most practical choice but my practicality has its limits.  Right now, other than the new CB100, Honda doesn't have a bike that really strikes me, nor the other three makes.  Triumph is pretty aggressively marketing in the US it seems and my bet is that their dealer network will only increase from here.

[spgott]

Spgoft, maybe this thread has gone full circle now, but I REALLY don't see hour someone can rely on a bike for daily transportation IF THEY BOTH:

* don't work on it  and
* only own one

Guzzi or Honda doesn't matter, the fact remains the same that this country treats bikes as recreation. It's harder and more expensive to get a tow, there aren't roadside repair services available, the dealers don't usually treat beak downs as an emergency or have loaners, etc.

A flat alone can turn into a multi-day episode on a bike if you're not prepared to handle it, never mind odd repairs.

The Bonnie might be better (and I suspect a better dealer network, at least on both coasts), but it's still a bike and considered recreation by most of the country.

I'd seriously reconsider having ONLY one bike if it is remotely possible to have two. Especially if you think you might regret selling this one.

Kev, I've done it for the last 6 years and have no regrets.  It can be inconvenient at times and forces some creativity but I've been as happy as I can be with the decision.  These days I have an emergency fallback position with my girlfriends car and bike though I only use those if absolutely imperative and for the four years before that, it was just me and my bike.  Of course, I am in Florida and it may be a bit more bike friendly here than in a lot of states.

[Kev m]

Kev, I've done it for the last 6 years and have no regrets.  It can be inconvenient at times and forces some creativity but I've been as happy as I can be with the decision.  These days I have an emergency fallback position with my girlfriends car and bike though I only use those if absolutely imperative and for the four years before that, it was just me and my bike.  Of course, I am in Florida and it may be a bit more bike friendly here than in a lot of states.

There ya go - so in essence, you DO have access to another bike or car - so never mind  ;-T

I still hope you don't regret selling the Cali.

But best of luck with a new Bonnie, I'm sure you'll love it too!

RIDE SAFE!

[charlie b]

That has not been my experience with Triumph, nor is it suggested through their reviews.  My girlfriends Bonneville has close to 16000 miles on it and she has not had one issue.  certainly a Honda would be the absolute most practical choice but my practicality has its limits.  Right now, other than the new CB100, Honda doesn't have a bike that really strikes me, nor the other three makes.  Triumph is pretty aggressively marketing in the US it seems and my bet is that their dealer network will only increase from here.

Guzzi reliability is rarely questioned in reviews either.  But, I understand not finding one you like.  Riding a Honda and seeing dealers out in farm country makes you understand what a really good network they have.

I would not rely on any ONE vehicle of any type for my transportation needs.  I always have a backup.  Even if it is for simple stuff.  Partly since I live a ways out of town there is no way to get anywhere without my own transport.

[tarless]

That has not been my experience with Triumph, nor is it suggested through their reviews.  My girlfriends Bonneville has close to 16000 miles on it and she has not had one issue.  certainly a Honda would be the absolute most practical choice but my practicality has its limits.  Right now, other than the new CB100, Honda doesn't have a bike that really strikes me, nor the other three makes.  Triumph is pretty aggressively marketing in the US it seems and my bet is that their dealer network will only increase from here.

I've had a couple of triumphs and there are some common issues depending on the bike. I wouldn't rank them up there as very reliable but they're not a nightmare either.  As to the bonnie, it may work for your girlfriend but you're going to want to replace the forks and shocks if you weigh over 170lbs. None of the Triumph classics have good suspensions. Most people mod the heck out of their bonnies to make them just right. To me it's not worth it. Brakes are not good either. Between that and the suspension, electronics, seat, and instrumentation, there's just too many things that need moding. That being said I still kind of wanted one but ultimately they're too small. Frankly, it's a good small persons bike.
Triumph is marketing heavily but I don't know if that's going to expand the dealer network. I've heard it's had the opposite effect. some of the smaller dealers shut down because of having inventory shoved down their throats that they couldn't afford to keep. A former HD exec is the new North America CEO and he's getting marketing crazy. shocking. 

[spgott]

There ya go - so in essence, you DO have access to another bike or car - so never mind  ;-T

I still hope you don't regret selling the Cali.

But best of luck with a new Bonnie, I'm sure you'll love it too!

RIDE SAFE!

In essence, I do but did not for several years and never regretted it. 

[spgott]

I've had a couple of triumphs and there are some common issues depending on the bike. I wouldn't rank them up there as very reliable but they're not a nightmare either.  As to the bonnie, it may work for your girlfriend but you're going to want to replace the forks and shocks if you weigh over 170lbs. None of the Triumph classics have good suspensions. Most people mod the heck out of their bonnies to make them just right. To me it's not worth it. Brakes are not good either. Between that and the suspension, electronics, seat, and instrumentation, there's just too many things that need moding. That being said I still kind of wanted one but ultimately they're too small. Frankly, it's a good small persons bike.
Triumph is marketing heavily but I don't know if that's going to expand the dealer network. I've heard it's had the opposite effect. some of the smaller dealers shut down because of having inventory shoved down their throats that they couldn't afford to keep. A former HD exec is the new North America CEO and he's getting marketing crazy. shocking. 

Well I guess we'll see how it goes.  I have a special place in my heart for Honda and great respect for the company but just don't have one I really want.  Barring the California, a Bonneville fits the bill better than anything else I've seen.  It is kind of a smaller bike and that will take some getting used to but I people used to get by with smaller bikes before we all started demanding bigger ones so I think I'll be OK on it.  I'm slowly transitioning myself to a much simpler lifestyle and a simple bike is a good match.

[Red Dog]

so I've made the very difficult decision to sell it. 

Haven't been keeping up with this thread and just read it from start to finish.  Noticed you asked in an earlier post for help from any Guzzi owners in Jacksonvlle.  I'm in Gainesville & sorry I did not reply sooner.  If you have any second thoughts about your decision to sell I'm more than willing to lend a hand.  It will have to be on a Sunday, my only day off.  I hate riding in the city but the old Subaru will make the trip unless you want to ride & meet up 1/2 way.  Send me an email or go to the web site for a phone number ( I hate just posting it on line) OtterTrout.com